What tools do you take to the track?
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 753
Likes: 5
From: Winston Salem, NC
What tools do you take to the track? Hey folks, I'm trying to get a good list of tools/stuff to take to the track for drag days. What do you all take to make sure you don't run into anything you can't handle? I think the typical wrenches/sockets are a given but I was thinking about stuff like shop towels, work gloves, duct tape, screwdrivers, maybe air pump and pressure gauges...?
TECH Junkie
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,913
Likes: 366
From: White Bear, Mn
Many may disagree with me but the majority of things that break is not going to get fixed at the track. And if you're not going to bring spare parts there really is not a need for anything except a trailer.
- Motor... spun bearing, not getting fixed at the track
- Break a axle.... don't need tools unless you're going to carry spare axles.
- Output shaft, not getting fixed unless you're bringing a spare transmission.
- Driveshaft..... again, you going to bring a spare?
If you're not going to bring spare parts, really no reason for tools besides maybe a flat head screw driver and metric crescent wrench.
That's just my reasoning but I go to the track fully prepared to either bring it home on someone's trailer or flip the flat bed bill.
- Motor... spun bearing, not getting fixed at the track
- Break a axle.... don't need tools unless you're going to carry spare axles.
- Output shaft, not getting fixed unless you're bringing a spare transmission.
- Driveshaft..... again, you going to bring a spare?
If you're not going to bring spare parts, really no reason for tools besides maybe a flat head screw driver and metric crescent wrench.
That's just my reasoning but I go to the track fully prepared to either bring it home on someone's trailer or flip the flat bed bill.
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TECH Junkie
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,618
Likes: 1,328
From: Iowa
This is a weird question considering we have no details on the setup.
a 12 second f body...don't bring anything. Maybe a tire pressure gauge and a laptop if you tune your own stuff
a 4.60 1/8th mile car...you're going to bring plenty of tools.
Im guessing based on the question...you're closer to the first group than the 2nd
a 12 second f body...don't bring anything. Maybe a tire pressure gauge and a laptop if you tune your own stuff
a 4.60 1/8th mile car...you're going to bring plenty of tools.
Im guessing based on the question...you're closer to the first group than the 2nd
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Verdad Gallardo Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 753
Likes: 5
From: Winston Salem, NC
probably a low 11 second F-body. really trying to get an idea of what people bring to help prep the car, take care of small issues, etc.
does no one bring anything to track day?
does no one bring anything to track day?
TECH Junkie
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,618
Likes: 1,328
From: Iowa
You're an 11 second car.
Exactly what do you plan to do?
If you're a nitrous car, bring some bottles and tools to change/read plugs
If you're a tuner...bring your laptop and a power inverter
you think you need the whole snap on box to make a couple passes then load up on the trailer?
Bring a typical roadside tool kit with some sockets/wrenches/screwdrivers for the little stuff and that's it.
You're not making bar changes or changing a rear gear or servicing a torque converter and changing stators or making bar adjustments or lashing rockers, etc.
Exactly what do you plan to do?
If you're a nitrous car, bring some bottles and tools to change/read plugs
If you're a tuner...bring your laptop and a power inverter
you think you need the whole snap on box to make a couple passes then load up on the trailer?
Bring a typical roadside tool kit with some sockets/wrenches/screwdrivers for the little stuff and that's it.
You're not making bar changes or changing a rear gear or servicing a torque converter and changing stators or making bar adjustments or lashing rockers, etc.
10 Second Club
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4,467
Likes: 193
From: Harford Co. Maryland
Exactly why I bought a trailer....one good tow bill, waiting for hours, and the threat that it has to be off the property by gates closing.
But, for some tools, I have a small toolbox with some assorted wrenches, sockets, ratchet, few extensions, few different screwdrivers, zip-ties, and a hammer for if all else fails
Laptop to tune
Trailer for if the worse happens.
But, for some tools, I have a small toolbox with some assorted wrenches, sockets, ratchet, few extensions, few different screwdrivers, zip-ties, and a hammer for if all else fails
Laptop to tune
Trailer for if the worse happens.
Last edited by Doug G; Aug 12, 2020 at 04:33 PM.
I bought an enclosed trailer a few years ago and absolutely love it. I've broken a driveshaft and had my crankbolt loosen and the balancer walked out tossing my serp belt. Was able to winch the car in by myself and drag it home. If you plan on racing a whole bunch or events far away it's definitely a great investment. Even an open trailer is great. I put a craftsman toolbox in my trailer and bolted it down. I filled it with basic hand tools from harbor freight. I think I have under $500 in the tools/toolbox. 1/4",3/8" and 1/2" sockets/ratchets......wrenches....screwdrivers....pliers.. ..flashlights...jack....jackstands.....misc. electric terminals......electrical tape....wire ties.....brake cleaner....engine oil...wd40. Basic car tools.....better to have the things needed than stuck without them.
If you don't have a trailer.... at minimum bring wrenches, socket set, pliers, hammer, screwdrivers and vicegrips. You can fit those in a mechanics bag. Or buy a cheap tool set that has all the basics you're gonna need in its own container....for ease of transport and so you don't loose anything.
If you don't have a trailer.... at minimum bring wrenches, socket set, pliers, hammer, screwdrivers and vicegrips. You can fit those in a mechanics bag. Or buy a cheap tool set that has all the basics you're gonna need in its own container....for ease of transport and so you don't loose anything.